Compare 42/98 and 18/16
1st number: 42/98, 2nd number: 1 2/16
42/98 is smaller than 18/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 98 and 16 is 784
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 784 - For the 1st fraction, since 98 × 8 = 784,
42/98 = 42 × 8/98 × 8 = 336/784 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 49 = 784,
18/16 = 18 × 49/16 × 49 = 882/784 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 336/784 < 882/784 or 42/98 < 18/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/98 and 18/16 42/98 and 36/16 42/98 and 18/32 42/98 and 54/16 42/98 and 18/48 42/98 and 90/16 42/98 and 18/80